Download stc spotlight on learning study guide

STC SPOTLIGHT ON LEARNING STUDY GUIDE
MUSIC, LYRICS & BOOK
BY RICHARD O’BRIEN
COMPILED FOR STC BY ROGER FINLAY
GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY
MEET CALEB MARSHALL
STC’S NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Recently announced as the new Artistic Director for Sudbury Theatre Centre,
Fredericton native Caleb Marshall spent the last five seasons as the Artistic
Producer for Theatre New Brunswick where he launched TNB New Voices Opening
Acts, TNB Next Stage Studio Branch and TNB Extras Reading and Presents series. He
produced over 50 projects while at TNB. Prior to coming to Theatre New Brunswick,
Caleb served as an Education Practitioner at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre as well as
resident director for their UK/European tour of Romeo & Juliet. He holds a BFA
Honors in Acting from York University, an MFA with Distinction in Theatre Directing
from Middlesex University London (UK) and trained with The Stratford Festival’s
Conservatory for Classical Theatre Training, Moscow’s GITIS Academy and on an
International Artist Fellowship at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. Caleb has
premiered roles for the National Arts Centre, Canadian Stage, The Blyth Festival, The
Stratford Festival and the Old Vic in London. He has also taught workshops at
festivals in Poland and Germany as well as teaching at St. Thomas and Dalhousie
Universities. Caleb is the chair of the Regional Theatres Caucus for the Professional
Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) and recently hosted PACTCON2014 in
Fredericton. He’s received the Christopher Plummer Fellowship Award and was
recognized by the New Brunswick Arts Board with an Excellence Award in the Arts.
Select writing credits include three installments of Christmas @theplayhouse
(Fredericton Playhouse), Nights Below Station Street (NBActs, Eliot Haze
Playwright Development Award, Herman Voaden National Playwriting Competition
Honorable Mention), R&J (Toronto Fringe, Toronto Sun Fringe “Hot Pick”) Somme
Letters Home (Atlantic Fringe/George Brown Theatre School/YPT) He also adapted
Hockey Dreams for the stage with David Adams Richards and a new adaptation of
Miracle on 34th Street. He recently announced Theatre New Brunswick’s first
ever ‘All New Brunswick Professional season.’
Contents
The Team of Transsexual Transylvanians Who Put This All Together ..................................................... 2
A Message from the Director – Kelly Straughan ...................................................................................... 3
Hot Patootie! What’s This Show About?.................................................................................................. 4
Damn it, Janet, just what is a Cult Classic? .............................................................................................. 4
Musical Numbers That Will Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch You ...................................................................... 5
Audience Partici…(say it!………say it!)…..pation ....................................................................................... 6
Here is a basic list of props and instructions. .......................................................................................... 6
How to do the Time Warp........................................................................................................................ 7
Vocal Partici…(say it!………say it!)…..pation ............................................................................................. 7
Who are these Super Heroes everyone is singing about?........................................................................ 8
Science Fiction – Double Feature is not just a bunch of Riff-Raff............................................................. 9
Time Warp to the 1950’s and find out what so special about a B-movie? ............................................ 10
Rose Tint my World with Famous B-movies........................................................................................... 10
We can Make You a Man (and also how we made The Rocky Horror Show)........................................ 12
I’m Going Home so here’s the Bibliography .......................................................................................... 15
1
The Rocky Horror Show Study Guide
The Team of Transsexual Transylvanians Who Put This All Together
Artistic Team
Director ..................................... Kelly Straughan
Musical Director ........................ Scott Christian
Stage Manager ......................... Eamonn Reil
Assistant Stage Manager .......... Kacy Blok
Set Designer ............................. Scott Penner
Costume Designer .................... Scott Penner
LX Designer .............................. C.J. Astronomo
Choreographer .......................... Melissa-Jane Shaw
Cast
Frank N Furter........................... David Lopez
Brad Majors............................... Daniel Abrahamson
Riff Raff ..................................... Ryan Kelly
Eddie/Dr. Scott .......................... Jacob MacInnis
Rocky ........................................ James Daly
Narrator..................................... Brian McKay
Janet ......................................... Steffi Dido
Magenta .................................... Erica Peck
Columbia ................................... Sarah Horsman
Phantom ................................... Aryana Naddelin
Phantom ................................... Cameron Carver
Phantom ................................... Joseph O'Toole
Musicians
Guitar ........................................ John Newlands
Bass .......................................... Brian Quebec
Drums ....................................... Tony Jurgilas
Woodwinds ............................... Mike McArthur
Piano......................................... Jordan McNeil
2
A Message from the Director – Kelly Straughan
Welcome to the Rocky Horror Show! Although it's been over 40 years since its debut, Rocky remains a
cult classic, attracting new audiences every year. The script is a clever send up of science fiction and B
rated horror movies complete with a Frankenstein-like birth, laser guns, blood and gore. You'll recognize
many musical hits- from Time Warp to Sweet Transvestite- and at times the show can feel more like a
rock show than a stuffy musical. Rocky Horror continues to transcend generations and who knowsmaybe some of you seeing the show today will be the next generation of Rocky fans!
Kelly is thrilled to be returning to STC, where she made her
professional theatre debut at the age of 6 in Music Man directed
by Tony Lloyd.
Kelly is currently the Executive Director at the Toronto Fringe and
Artistic Director of Seventh Stage Theatre Productions. Recent
credits include: The Carousel (Nightwood Theatre); Stockholm
(Seventh Stage/Nightwood Theatre); As You Like It (Nightwood
Theatre’s Lawyer Show); Witches and Bitches (University of
Toronto); 9 Parts of Desire (Seventh Stage); The Little Prince
(Resurgence Theatre).
Kelly previously held the position of Associate Artistic Director at
Nightwood Theatre and was the Assistant Artistic Director at
Tarragon Theatre for three seasons. She was shortlisted for the
Gina Wilkinson Prize, The Pauline McGibbon Award and holds a
Masters in Theatre Directing from the University of British
Columbia.
3
Hot Patootie! What’s This Show About?
The Rocky Horror Show is a tribute and parody of science fiction and horror B-Movies of the 1940’s
through to the 1970’s. The book, lyrics, and music were written by Richard O’Brien. The original cast
included Richard O’Brien, Tim Curry and Meatloaf, who also starred in the movie version.
The musical tells the story of a newly engaged couple getting
caught in a storm and unwittingly arrive at the home of a
mad transvestite scientist unveiling his new creation, a muscle
man named Rocky Horror. It premiered in 1973 at the Royal Court
Theatre in Liverpool, England and closed in 1980 after 2960
performances. The musical has enjoyed many revivals around the
world and was developed into a movie in 1975 starring Tim Curry,
Susan Sarandon, and Barry Bostwick. The film is played regularly
and has developed into a cult classic.
Original Broadway poster
Damn it, Janet, just what is a Cult Classic?
A cult classic is a term to describe a film that has acquired a cult following. Cult films are known for their
dedicated, passionate fan base, an elaborate subculture that engage in repeated viewings, quoting
dialogue, and audience participation. Cult films frequently break cultural taboos, and many feature
excessive displays of violence, gore, sexuality, and/or profanity.
4
Musical Numbers That Will Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch You
Science Fiction Double Feature
Damn it Janet
Over at the Frankenstein Place
The Time Warp
Sweet Transvestite
The Sword of Damocles
I Can Make You a Man
Hot Patootie
I Can Make You a Man (cont.)
Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me
Once in a While
Eddie’s Teddy
Planet Schmanet – Wise Up Janet Weiss
Floorshow/Rose Tint My World
I’m Going Home
Super Heroes
Science Fiction Double Feature (Reprise)
Magenta, Columbia, Frank, and Riff Raff from
the 1975 movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show
5
Audience Partici…(say it!………say it!)…..pation
Part of the fun of seeing the Rocky Horror Show is that audience participation is almost mandatory. It is
now traditional for the audience to yell things back at the actors and also use props at the appropriate
moments. Why is this part of the theatrical experience? One of the creators, Richard Hartley, seems to
think it started when the movie was released in 1975. He says it was a bit long and “wilts” in the middle.
“They probably got bored and started answering back.” Now people see the play (and the movie) many
times just to be able to shout out comments and use props at various times in the play.
If it’s your first time, sit back and relax. There’s just as much fun watching the dynamic between the
audience and cast as a Rocky Horror “virgin” as there is knowing the actions and shouting all the lines If
you didn’t recognize the reference from the title to this section, it comes from the song Sweet
Transvestite sung by Frank. Near the end of the song, he sings,
SO COME UP TO THE LAB AND SEE WHAT’S ON THE SLAB.
I SEE YOU SHIVER WITH ANTICIPATION
When he says “anticipation” he pauses for what seems to be a long time in the middle of the word.
Frank is teasing Brad and Janet by having them wait for him to finish the word. That’s the audience’s cue
to plead with him to finish the word by yelling “say it!”. It’s a lot of fun and is only one of the many
times the audience has a chance to be a part of the show.
The Sudbury Theatre Centre has scheduled a special midnight showing where costumes are encouraged
and props will be handed out. Mark your calendar for Oct 11 and 17. The show starts at 10 PM. There
will probably be interaction between the cast and the audience in other shows but certain props may be
discouraged. Feel free to come dressed as your favourite character, if you have one, or just enjoy the
show dressed in your normal clothes. You’re here for a good time and so is everyone else.
Here is a basic list of props and instructions.
Please check with the STC for their policy on usage.
Rice: At the beginning of the play you will be part of the wedding between Ralph Hapschatt and Betty
Munroe. As the newlyweds exit the church you should throw the rice.
Newspapers: When Brad and Janet are caught in the storm, Janet covers her head with a newspaper.
You should likewise cover your head. The Sudbury Star or Northern Life will do but if you could find a
copy of The Plain Dealer, bring it.
Water pistols: These are used by members of the audience to simulate the rainstorm that Brad and
Janet are caught in. (Now do you see why you should use the newspapers?)
6
Flashlights: During the “There’s a light” verse of Over at the Frankenstein Place, you should light up the
theatre with flashlights, etc. (No lighters or matches. Please be careful to respect the theater’s policy
about open flames. Also, remember you are wearing newspapers on your head!)
Rubber gloves: During and after the creation speech, Frank snaps his rubber gloves three times. Later
Magenta pulls these gloves off his hands. You should snap your gloves in sync each time to create a
really cool sound effect.
Noisemakers: At the end of the creation speech, the Transylvanians respond with applause and
noisemakers. You should do the same.
Confetti: At the end of the Charles Atlas Song reprise, the Transylvanians throw confetti as Rocky and
Frank head toward the bedroom. Feel free to join in.
Toilet paper: When Dr. Scott enters the lab, Brad cries out “Great Scott!” At this point, you should toss
rolls of toilet paper into the air (preferably Scotts).
Toast: When Frank proposes a toast at dinner, members of the audience throw toast into the air
(unbuttered or course… things could get sticky.)
Party Hat: At the dinner table, when Frank puts on a party hat, you should too.
Bell: During the song Planet Schmanet Janet, ring the bell when Frank sings “Did you hear a bell ring?”
Cards: During the song I’m Going Home, Frank sings “Cards for sorrow, cards for pain.” This is where you
shower the theatre with cards.
How to do the Time Warp
1 (It’s just a) JUMP TO THE LEFT with hands up.
2 A STEP TO THE RIGHT (experienced Time Warpers suggest a
very wide step)
3 (WITH YOUR HANDS ON YOUR HIPS) YOU BRING YOUR KNEES
IN TIGHT.
4) BUT IT’S THE PELVIC THRUST (five times) THAT STARTS TO DRIVE YOU INSANE (swivel hips)
5) LET’S DO THE TIME WARP AGAIN.
Vocal Partici…(say it!………say it!)…..pation
If you’ve ever been to a showing of the movie in the local theatre or seen Rocky Horror live you know
there are things shouted out after almost every line. Most of it is rude and it’s not the place of this Study
Guide to tell you when and what to shout out. Also, it takes a skilled veteran to get the timing right.
7
There are many scripts, complete with prompts available online. Believe it or not, there’s also an official
DVD with a separate audio track and prompter. Now you can shout at your TV screen and amuse your
friends and family at the same time. Amazon.com had it for under $20. Practice at home and bring your
new-found skill to a theatre near you.
Who are these Super Heroes everyone is singing about?
When Rocky is first introduced he breaks into the song Sword of Damocles. This refers to a story from
the ancient Greek. According to the story Damocles exclaimed that, as a great man of power and
authority surrounded by magnificence, Dionysius was truly extremely fortunate. Dionysius then offered
to switch places with Damocles, so that Damocles could taste that very fortune firsthand. Damocles
quickly and eagerly accepted the king's proposal. Damocles sat down in the king's throne surrounded by
every luxury, but Dionysius arranged that a huge sword should hang above the throne, held at
the pommel only by a single hair of a horse's tail. Damocles finally begged the king that he be allowed to
depart because he no longer wanted to be so fortunate, realizing that with great fortune and power
come also great peril and anxiety.
Just after the Sword of Damocles Janet says “I don’t like men with too many muscles.”
To which Frank n Furter replies, “I didn’t make him for you. He has the Charles Atlas
seal of approval.” Who was Charles Atlas? He was born Angelo Siciliano in 1893 was
the developer of a bodybuilding method. According to Atlas, he trained himself to
develop his body from that of a "scrawny weakling", eventually becoming the most
popular muscleman of his day. He took the name "Charles Atlas" after a friend told him
he resembled the statue of Atlas on top of a hotel in Coney Island. His company,
Charles Atlas Ltd., was founded in 1929 and, as of 2010, continues to market a fitness
program for the "97-pound weakling"
Charles Atlas
Frank suggests they watch a Steve Reeves movie in the song Sweet Transvestite. Steve Reeves was an
American bodybuilder (see a theme here?) and actor. He is best known for playing the role of Hercules.
Janet also blesses Lily St. Cyr in the song Floor Show/Rose Tint my World. Lily St. Cyr was a famous
stripper from the 1940’s and 50’s. One of her best known acts was a “reverse strip” where she dressed
herself in designer gowns but only after taking a bath on stage.
8
Creator Richard O'Brien as Riff Raff
Science Fiction – Double Feature is not just a bunch of Riff-Raff
Like many other musicals, The Rocky Horror Show starts with an overture. In this case, the overture is
not an instrumental but is sung by the Usherette who doubles as Magenta. The song is filled with
references to the B-movies from the 1950’s. Here’s what she is singing about.
Michael Rennie was ill
The Day the Earth Stood Still
But he told us where we stand
And Flash Gordon was there
In silver underwear
Claude Rains was The Invisible Man
Then something went wrong
For Fay Wray and King Kong
They got caught in a celluloid jam
Then at a deadly pace
It Came From Outer Space
And this is how the message ran...
Michael Rennie is a British actor best known for his starring
role as the space visitor Klaatu in the classic science fiction film
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Science fiction (ooh ooh ooh) double feature
Doctor X (ooh ooh ooh) will build a creature
See androids fighting (ooh ooh ooh) Brad and
Janet
Anne Francis stars in (ooh ooh ooh) Forbidden
Planet
Wo oh oh oh oh oh
At the late night, double feature, picture show
Claude Rains is an English actor whose career spanned 46
years. He played the title role in The Invisible Man (1933), a
movie based on the H.G. Wells book.
I knew Leo G. Carroll
Was over a barrel
When Tarantula took to the hills
And I really got hot
When I saw Janette Scott
Fight a Triffid that spits poison and kills
Dana Andrews said prunes
Gave him the runes
And passing them used lots of skills
But When Worlds Collide
Said George Pal to his bride
I'm gonna give you some terrible thrills
It Came From Outer Space (1953) is based on the
Ray Bradbury story The Meteor. Spoiler Alert: It’s
about aliens landing on Earth.
Science fiction (ooh ooh ooh) double feature
Doctor X (ooh ooh ooh) will build a creature
See androids fighting (ooh ooh ooh) Brad and
Janet
Anne Francis stars in (ooh ooh ooh) Forbidden
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) Movie
about an alien who lands on Earth and tells
the people that they must live peacefully or
be destroyed as a danger to other planets.
Flash Gordon (1936) A football player and
his friends travel to the planet Mongo and
find themselves fighting the tyranny of
Ming the Merciless to save Earth. Buster Crabbe played the
title character. Crabbe also won a gold medal in swimming in
the 1932 L.A. Olympics.
Fay Wray was born in Alberta in 1907. She
played Ann Darrow in the 1933 stop-motion
animation of King Kong. The film tells of a
gigantic, island-dwelling ape called Kong who
dies in an attempt to possess a beautiful young
woman.
Doctor X (1932) is an evil Doctor who kills people during a full
moon. Themes such as murder, rape, cannibalism and
prostitution are interwoven into the story. It also stars Fay
Wray.
Brad and Janet: nice couple. You’ll meet them very soon.
Forbidden Planet (1956) not only stars Anne Francis but
Canada’s own Leslie Neilson from the Naked Gun movies.
Leo G. Carroll was a British actor who starred in many Alfred
Hitchcock movies and T.V.’s Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Tarantula (1955) You guessed it. It’s about a giant tarantula
Day of the Triffids (1962) tells the story about almost everyone
in the world going blind due to an aggressive species of plant
called a Triffid
9
Planet
Wo oh oh oh oh oh
At the late night, double feature, picture show
I wanna go - Oh oh oh oh
To the late night, double feature, picture show
By R.K.O. - Wo oh oh oh
To the late night, double feature, picture show
In the back row - Oh oh oh oh
To the late night, double feature, picture show
Dana Andrews starred in Night of the
Demon (1957). The movie involves an
American psychologist investigating a
Satanic cult.
Runes are mysterious symbols or
inscriptions.
When Worlds Collide (1951) George Pal is the producer on this
tale of what happens when a star is on collision course with the
Earth.
R.K.O (Radio-Keith-Orpheum) is an American film production
and distribution company. As RKO Radio Pictures Inc., it was
one of the Big Five studios of Hollywood's Golden Age.
Time Warp to the 1950’s and find out what so special about a B-movie?
The Rocky Horror Show is, as Richard O’Brien says, his homage or parody of B-movies. So the question
remains, “what is a B movie?” The actual technical definition is that a B-movie was the second movie on
a double bill or double feature. A double bill means the theatre would show two movies for the price of
one. The second movie was typically a low budget formula type film, which fell somewhere in the
suspense, horror, sci-fi, western, exploitation or gangster genres, although there were other genres
covered as well. Those that can remember the old 45 records know that you had an A side and a B side.
The A side usually had the song that got the most play on the radio and was the one everyone wanted to
listen to. The B side had a song that was not as familiar but the band was hoping to get some air-time
and then encourage you to buy the entire album.
The double feature was a popular idea in the movies. While the major studios were at first reluctant to
show double features they soon became standard practice. They all established studios to produce films
for this second-feature market. Block booking became the norm. That is, is order to get access to a
studio’s A pictures, usually with higher budgets and popular stars, the theatres were obligated to rent
the studios entire output.. If an A movie cost a million dollars to make the B movie would only have a
$50,000 budget. Because the B movies rented at a flat fee rather than a percentage of the box office,
they were almost guaranteed to make a profit
Rose Tint my World with Famous B-movies
The Giant Claw (1957) it features the goofiest-looking movie
monster of all time. This thing—this “antimatter space buzzard,” as it
is eventually called—is laughably stupid. The poor actors weren’t
even aware of how incredibly lame the monster would be until they
saw the completed film, and by then it was too late.
10
Sharknado (2013) Sharks and tornados. What’s not to like?
The Blob (1958) is one of the quintessential 1950s teen drivein classics, starring a 27-year-old Steve McQueen as a high
school student battling the big pink pile of goo that eats
everything in its path. The pink pile of goo was played by a pile
of silicone with a large amount of red dye which was added
when it “absorbed” people.
Robot Monster (1957) Don’t have a monster costume? No
problem, just slap a helmet on a gorilla suit.
Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959) It’s the answer to the question, “what’s the worst movie ever made?” It
stars Bela Lugosi of Dracula fame. Unfortunately he died in the middle of filming so a double hid behind
his cape a la Dracula – but not too well.
Vampira and Tor Johnson as the Inspector
11
We can Make You a Man (and also how we made The Rocky Horror
Show)
Kate Abbot of the Guardian newspaper in England interviewed creators Richard O’Brien and Richard
Hartley on the origins of The Rocky Horror Show. Here is a glimpse into how the madness started.
Richard O'Brien, writer and actor
I'd been in Jesus Christ Superstar and Hair, and was starting to think I wouldn't mind seeing a musical
that appealed to me, an eternal adolescent. I loved B-movies, rock'n'roll and glam, so thought I'd do a
parody – or homage – to all those things.
Then Jim Sharman , the director of Jesus Christ Superstar, asked me to audition for a play at London's
Royal Court. There I met Richard Hartley, who was writing its incidental music. One night, Jim brought
Richard round to my place, and I sang them some of my songs, including Science Fiction/Double Feature
and Hot Patootie. Jim thought they'd make a great show and called me afterwards saying: "They've
asked me to do another play at the Royal Court and I've agreed – as long as they let me have three
weeks' fun upstairs afterwards." So I wrote some more songs and 20 pages of dialogue. I didn't think it
would be a hit. I thought we'd have our three weeks of fun on the Royal Court's upstairs stage then
move on.
It grew a lot in rehearsals. I'd written Science Fiction/Double Feature without a musical in mind, but it
has the line: "See androids fighting Brad and Janet." Those names seemed to exemplify a clean-cut, boygirl relationship. Brad and Janet needed their own song, so Dammit Janet went in. I think their sexual
awakening is something we can all relate to, but it's not just a sexual rites of passage: when their car
breaks down and they arrive at the castle, they're leaving the American dream and walking into an
uncertain future.
It's astonishing that the US movie industry bought into it: there we were with a fringe theatre event that
hadn't even gone to the West End, and not only were we allowed to make it into a film, we also all got
to star in it – with Jim directing. The only imperative from 20th Century Fox was that we include some
American actors. That's why Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon play Brad and Janet – they were
actually an item during filming, too. And then the whole thing nearly got canned when there was a
change of head at Fox. Yet, later, this one movie would keep that studio afloat for three years. It's gone
into cinema history. I think you could say it's the No 1 cult classic movie of all time.
We filmed in the UK, in an old building next to the Hammer House of Horror studios. It wasn't an actual
set: it was an old Victorian gothic revival house a paddock away from the studios that had been used for
other films, including the horror movie The Innocents. Listed, gloomy and semi-derelict, with its owner
living abroad, it was perfect for us – even if we did have to carry all our lights and technical stuff across
the paddock to get to it.
12
The birthday party for Rocky, the gold-panted creation of Dr Frank N Furter, was the most fun to film,
with Peter Hinwood wrapped up in bandages in the laboratory, and all those Transylvanian extras in
tailcoats. We finished filming a week before Christmas. It was freezing on set. Susan got really ill: at the
end, when she sings Wild and Untamed Thing in the pool, she should have been under medical
supervision. She'd had a shocking cold and was shaking with fever, but still she went on.
Jim, directing, played pranks on us throughout filming. When Eddie's corpse was revealed under the
dining table, it came as a real shock: none of us had been aware that it was there apart from Tim Curry –
playing Dr Frank N Furter – because he was the one who had to whip the tablecloth off. Jim wanted a
natural reaction.
When you consider that, with the exception of Susan, it was the first movie for all of us, we made a
pretty good film – and we shot it in six weeks too, without going over budget. It's flawed, there's no
doubt about that. But it's allowed to be a little bit kitsch, I think, and the flaws are part of that quality. It
is rather funny if we see the shadow of a boom mic somewhere.
Rocky Horror was probably not the first example of gender-bending on film, but it was the most in-yourface. When Dr Frank N Furter sings I'm Just a Sweet Transvestite without any apology, it was
empowering for many people. And Janet singing Touch-A Touch-A Touch Me was controversial, too – a
girl wanting to be sexual in a let's-get-down-and-do-it way.
I like to think I'm more of a lyricist than a dramatist. My favourite Rocky Horror line is: "It's not easy
having a good time." It still makes me laugh. It's pathetic but it does. And the narrator's last verse in
Superheroes – "Crawling on the planet's face, some insects called the human race, lost in time, and lost
in space, and meaning" – has a quasi-gravitas I find appealing.
You'd think I'd have had enough of it by now, but as long as the band is cooking and the music is rocking
and the audience is laughing, I'm happy as a sandboy.
Richard Hartley, music director
Rocky Horror is just Frankenstein with a twist. Except there's no twisting – it's rock'n'roll. Richard and I
listened to the same records when we were growing up, so we just put all the things we loved in. You
can hear the influences: a bit of Chuck Berry, and a bit of Rolling Stones in Sweet Transvestite. It's selfindulgent, but the songs aren't pastiche like the ones in Grease.
The space only seated 50 people, but they rolled around with laughter. I've never thought it was that
funny. It was done seriously – this wasn't variety-show camp. Until he was in costume, Dr Frank N Furter
was a serious scientist. Then, when the high heels came out, it was liberating for him – and Tim Curry
appealed to both sexes. For the film, they got in a makeup artist, Pierre La Roche, who did Bowie's
makeup, but he took so long – about four hours – that Tim just did his own face. Time Warp was added
during rehearsals because you need a dance number in a musical. Plus we had to pad it out: the show
was only about 40 minutes. It evolved on the fly, all within three weeks. I'd dream up musical
13
arrangements as we rehearsed and, though half the cast were vocally challenged, somehow it fell into
place.
It was only subversive in the sense that it was raw-edged: the music was like something by a garage
band. For the film, we wanted things to be more gothic, so we got two musicians in from Procol Harum.
It was sweetened for Hollywood, with strings and a brass band, too. We recorded the backing tracks in
four days, and the vocals in a week. We prerecorded every song except Science Fiction, so what you see
is all mimed. It would have been easier and cheaper if they'd sung live. But the whole film still cost less
than $1m.
I'm staggered it's such a phenomenon. The film's a bit long, and it's so slow. It wilts after an hour then
picks up again. That might explain why audience participation started to play a big part at screenings –
they probably got bored so they started answering back.
Richard O'Brien
Richard Hartley
14
I’m Going Home so here’s the Bibliography
Musical Theatre: An Appreciation 8th Edition Alyson McLamore, Pearson Publishing
http://www.metrolyrics.com/science-fictiondouble-feature-lyrics-rocky-horror-picture-show.html
http://www.sweet-transvestites.com/uk/RHPS/stcyr-uk.htm
http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2013/mar/04/how-we-made-rocky-horror
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damocles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Reeves
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lily_St._Cyr
http://www.rockyhorror.com/participation/proplist.php
http://www.rockyhorror.com/participation/
http://www.badmovies.org/movies/rockyhorror/audience/
http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2013/mar/04/how-we-made-rocky-horror
http://www.bmoviecentral.com/bmc/bmc-articles/145-what-exactly-is-a-b-movie.html
http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2014/05/the-100-best-b-movies-of-all-time.html?a=1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Horror_Show#Cast
15